Salida is a place where families can connect, explore, and create lasting memories in one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain towns. Whether it’s rafting on the Arkansas River, hiking along picturesque trails, or enjoying hands-on activities downtown, there’s something for every age and interest. From outdoor adventures to indoor entertainment, these family-friendly activities ensure fun-filled days for both locals and visitors alike.
1. Explore Riverside Park – A Downtown Gem
Location: 170 E Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201
Riverside Park is one of the best family-friendly spots in Salida, offering playgrounds, scenic picnic areas, and access to the Arkansas River. Parents can relax while kids climb, slide, and explore the play structures, all while taking in breathtaking mountain views.
The park also hosts free live music events, such as the Salida Summer Concert Series, making it a great place for families to enjoy entertainment under the stars. Just steps away, the downtown shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors make for a perfect afternoon outing.
Riverside Park is one of the best family-friendly spots in Salida, offering playgrounds, scenic picnic areas, and access to the Arkansas River. Parents can relax while kids climb, slide, and explore the play structures, all while taking in breathtaking mountain views.
The park also hosts free live music events, such as the Salida Summer Concert Series, making it a great place for families to enjoy entertainment under the stars. Just steps away, the downtown shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors make for a perfect afternoon outing.
2. Float or Paddle Along the Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is one of Salida’s most iconic attractions, offering gentle sections for families to enjoy water activities together. Whether floating in an inflatable tube or learning to kayak, the river provides a fun way to cool off in the summer.
Families can rent paddleboards, tubes, or rafts from local outfitters like Salida River Adventures or Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. The calmer waters near Riverside Park and the Salida Whitewater Park are perfect for beginners looking to enjoy the water at a relaxed pace.
Families can rent paddleboards, tubes, or rafts from local outfitters like Salida River Adventures or Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. The calmer waters near Riverside Park and the Salida Whitewater Park are perfect for beginners looking to enjoy the water at a relaxed pace.
3. Visit the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
Location: 410 W Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201
The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is one of the largest indoor hot springs pools in North America, making it a must-visit for families. Featuring both a large recreation pool and smaller soaking pools, this geothermally heated facility offers a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
For younger kids, the shallow areas and warm water provide a safe space to splash around, while adults can enjoy the mineral-rich waters known for their therapeutic benefits. Open year-round, it’s an excellent option for families, no matter the season.
The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is one of the largest indoor hot springs pools in North America, making it a must-visit for families. Featuring both a large recreation pool and smaller soaking pools, this geothermally heated facility offers a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
For younger kids, the shallow areas and warm water provide a safe space to splash around, while adults can enjoy the mineral-rich waters known for their therapeutic benefits. Open year-round, it’s an excellent option for families, no matter the season.
4. Hike or Bike the Arkansas River Trail
For families who love the outdoors, the Arkansas River Trail offers scenic, easy-to-navigate paths perfect for hiking or biking. Running alongside the river, this trail provides stunning mountain views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and plenty of rest areas for picnics.
With flat terrain and multiple entry points, it’s a great option for young kids, strollers, and beginner bikers. In the fall, the changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop, making it one of the best trails for a relaxing family outing.
With flat terrain and multiple entry points, it’s a great option for young kids, strollers, and beginner bikers. In the fall, the changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop, making it one of the best trails for a relaxing family outing.
5. Go Wildlife Watching at Sands Lake State Wildlife Area
Location: 8720 Co Rd 175, Salida, CO 81201
Families who enjoy nature will love visiting Sands Lake State Wildlife Area, a peaceful retreat just outside of town. Home to migratory birds, deer, and beavers, this spot offers an easy nature walk perfect for kids.
The lake is also stocked with trout, making it a great place for young anglers to try catch-and-release fishing. With picnic tables and beautiful mountain views, it’s an excellent location for a family picnic by the water.
Families who enjoy nature will love visiting Sands Lake State Wildlife Area, a peaceful retreat just outside of town. Home to migratory birds, deer, and beavers, this spot offers an easy nature walk perfect for kids.
The lake is also stocked with trout, making it a great place for young anglers to try catch-and-release fishing. With picnic tables and beautiful mountain views, it’s an excellent location for a family picnic by the water.
6. Have a Blast at Fun Street Family Arcade
Location: 243 F St, Salida, CO 81201
For an exciting indoor activity, families can visit Fun Street Family Arcade in downtown Salida. This lively arcade offers a great mix of classic pinball machines, vintage video games, modern arcade favorites, and interactive attractions that appeal to both kids and adults.
Whether competing in a friendly round of air hockey, testing skills on retro arcade cabinets, or enjoying the latest digital games, there’s something for everyone. Fun Street Family Arcade is the perfect spot for a rainy day, a post-dinner outing, or simply a break from Salida’s outdoor adventures.
For an exciting indoor activity, families can visit Fun Street Family Arcade in downtown Salida. This lively arcade offers a great mix of classic pinball machines, vintage video games, modern arcade favorites, and interactive attractions that appeal to both kids and adults.
Whether competing in a friendly round of air hockey, testing skills on retro arcade cabinets, or enjoying the latest digital games, there’s something for everyone. Fun Street Family Arcade is the perfect spot for a rainy day, a post-dinner outing, or simply a break from Salida’s outdoor adventures.
7. Soar Through the Sky at Captain Zipline
Location: 520 Co Rd 54, Salida, CO 81201
For families looking for thrills and adventure, Captain Zipline offers an unforgettable experience high above the rugged Colorado landscape. As one of the top-rated adventure parks in the state, it features scenic zipline tours and an exciting aerial adventure park designed for all skill levels.
Kids (ages 6 and up) and adults can zip across deep canyons, navigate suspension bridges, and tackle obstacle courses, all while taking in stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley. Whether your family is full of adrenaline seekers or first-time adventurers, Captain Zipline provides an exhilarating and family-friendly outdoor experience that will leave everyone talking about it long after the adventure ends.
For families looking for thrills and adventure, Captain Zipline offers an unforgettable experience high above the rugged Colorado landscape. As one of the top-rated adventure parks in the state, it features scenic zipline tours and an exciting aerial adventure park designed for all skill levels.
Kids (ages 6 and up) and adults can zip across deep canyons, navigate suspension bridges, and tackle obstacle courses, all while taking in stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley. Whether your family is full of adrenaline seekers or first-time adventurers, Captain Zipline provides an exhilarating and family-friendly outdoor experience that will leave everyone talking about it long after the adventure ends.
8. Enjoy a Picnic and Playtime at Alpine Park
Location: 120 E 4th St, Salida, CO 81201
Alpine Park is another popular gathering spot in the heart of Salida, offering shady picnic areas, a large playground, and wide-open grassy spaces perfect for outdoor games and relaxation. The playground features swings, slides, and climbing structures that keep kids entertained, while picnic tables and benches provide a comfortable place for families to enjoy a packed lunch.
From June through October, Alpine Park comes alive with the Salida Farmers Market, where visitors can shop for fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted gifts. Located just a short walk from downtown, Alpine Park is an ideal place to unwind after a morning of hiking, biking, or shopping in Salida’s charming historic district.
Alpine Park is another popular gathering spot in the heart of Salida, offering shady picnic areas, a large playground, and wide-open grassy spaces perfect for outdoor games and relaxation. The playground features swings, slides, and climbing structures that keep kids entertained, while picnic tables and benches provide a comfortable place for families to enjoy a packed lunch.
From June through October, Alpine Park comes alive with the Salida Farmers Market, where visitors can shop for fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted gifts. Located just a short walk from downtown, Alpine Park is an ideal place to unwind after a morning of hiking, biking, or shopping in Salida’s charming historic district.
Find Your Family’s Dream Home in Salida
Salida offers endless opportunities for family fun, from outdoor adventures to unique local attractions. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic beauty, welcoming community, or vibrant downtown, living in Salida means having year-round access to incredible experiences right outside your door. If you’re ready to make this mountain town your home, let First Colorado Land Office help you find the perfect property to fit your lifestyle. Contact their team today to start your journey to living in Salida!
